Lough Neagh Partnership secures prestigious gold award at CIPR Northern Ireland Awards

Lough Neagh Partnership has been awarded the prestigious Gold award for Best Public Affairs Campaign at the inaugural Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Northern Ireland Awards, the foremost celebration of excellence in public relations and communications.

The honour recognises Lough Neagh Partnership’s strategic, evidence-based, and highly collaborative approach to raising awareness and driving meaningful political engagement surrounding the algal crisis on Lough Neagh.

Lough Neagh Partnership’s public affairs activity stood out for its clarity of purpose, stakeholder engagement, and measurable influence on public and political discourse.

The award-winning campaign centred on one of the most pressing environmental and economic issues currently facing Lough Neagh. The campaign team developed a comprehensive public affairs strategy designed to elevate these issues onto the agendas of decision-makers at Stormont, Westminster, and within local government. The campaign included direct engagement with elected representatives and generating widespread political commitment to safeguarding the future of the Lough.

Gary McErlain, Chair of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: "We are incredibly proud to receive the Gold award for our public affairs campaign at the CIPR Northern Ireland Awards. This recognition is testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of the partnerships we have built across political, community, and environmental sectors.

"Our priority has always been to ensure that Lough Neagh receives the attention and action it urgently needs, and this award affirms the significance of that work.

"We are grateful to the CIPR for this honour, and to all those who have engaged with us on this important issue. While receiving this award is a moment to celebrate, Lough Neagh Partnership is very aware that there is still much work to be done to address the immediate, short and long term challenges facing Lough Neagh.

"We are committed to protecting and enhancing the Lough for future generations and will continue with our lobbying efforts to ensure that Lough Neagh remains on the news agenda and top of mind for politicians and the public who live near, work on and enjoy the benefits of the biodiversity of Lough Neagh."

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The judges said this was a well-planned, researched and timed campaign with clear objectives and robust measurement and evaluation.  Human storytelling from a range of stakeholders, supported by emotive, impact-driven imagery, ensured key messages were received and acted on.